Walled City Marathon to return again next June

The date was confirmed on Tuesday by the Mayor Cllr. Martin Reilly when the 2014 event was launched in the City’s refurbished Guildhall, close to the iconic WCM finish area in Guildhall Square, where last June huge crowds and a carnival atmosphere enthusiastically greeted the 1,300 finishers in the inaugural event.

The 2014 WCM will target a limit of 1,500 participants and the entry process will open at 9am next Monday, November 11.

Given the response last time when entries closed in early January, all intending runners should enter as soon as possible to guarantee a place on the June 1 start line.

Another massive local entry is anticipated but participation from a much wider base is also expected to increase significantly as post June 2013, the reputation of the WCM spread across the running fraternity. Indeed the organisers recently attended the Dublin Marathon Exposition and reported an enormous interest from the thousands flocking through the stands over Dublin Marathon weekend. Speaking at Tuesday’s launch the Mayor congratulated the WCM organisers on their 2013 success and confirmed substantial Council financial support for the 2014 event.

“Council and I were really impressed with last June’s brilliant event and we are delighted to back the Walled City Marathon in 2014 and help ensure the legacy of this year’s inaugural event,” said the Mayor.

Race Director Noel McMonagle thanked the Mayor and Council for their most welcome support and commented: “We are delighted to have this crucial Council input and together plan to deliver an event which will surpass even the heights of 2013.

“Planning is already at an advanced stage and we look forward to making June 1st next year another memorable day in the life and times of our city. While we have targeted a broader entry base than before, the local growth in running activity is the source of our core participation and with increased community involvement also targeted.”

President of Athletics NI and WCM team member Gerry Lynch, confirmed the support of Athletics NI and the wider athletics fraternity and admitted next year’s race will be bigger and better.

“Events like the Walled City Marathon captured the imagination of many, many people, not just club runners but everyone and that is good news for athletics.”

Early entry was strongly recommended by Scott Galbraith of the WCM team who explained that the entry process, both online and paper, will open at 9am, on Monday, November 11.

Online entry from next Monday can be done on www.thewalledcitymarathon.com, click on the link for Walled City Marathon entry, the entry fee is £36 plus a £2.20 booking fee.

Entry will also be possible by downloading an entry form and sending the hard copy to WCM, Foyle Hospice.

The £36 entry fee only will apply for paper entries. Entry forms will be available at Derry City Council facilities.